Ings Receives Barclays Recognition

Danny Ings has been recognised by Premier League title sponsor Barclays for his ‘Danny Ings Disability Project’ with a ‘Spirit of the Game Award’

This season Barclays want to shine a light on the people who champion the true spirit of the game as part of their 'Thank you' campaign.

As part of the campaign, Barclays have introduced the 'Spirit of the Game Award' which they will be giving to players who represent and champion the true spirit of the game, just as much off the pitch as they do on it.

The Clarets striker, who launched the project in November, showed tremendous generosity by funding it himself and will help to deliver football coaching to disabled youngsters and with learning difficulties throughout the region.

In conjunction with Burnley FC in the Community, the aim is also to set up a disabled football team and, subsequently, widen the programme.

Speaking on the award, Ings said: “It’s great to be recognised in this way but for me it’s all about helping the children who haven’t had the opportunities I’ve had.

“I’ve made it clear before that I want them to part of my journey and the project gives me that chance.

“Sometimes people don’t get to see that footballers genuinely do care but there are some fantastic examples out there.

“Hopefully this award can help highlight that because seeing the smile on Joe’s face, the boy who inspired it, was worth more to me than money ever could.”

Neil Hart, Head of Burnley FC in the Community, added: “Danny came to us in the summer wanting to do something positive and give something back.

“He wanted to do something involving disabled youngsters and with learning difficulties, so we created programme in consultation with him.

“We wouldn’t be able to do that without Danny investing in this programme.

“He is funding the whole thing from the outset and we have also had a charitable donation from Burnley based business Capll Ltd which help the project’s longevity.”

During the 2014-15 season Barclays will be saying thank you to all those people who champion the true spirit of the game. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball